Chapter 827: Yangming’s Oath

I believe you, my friend, are a person of your word, but for matters like these, I must ask you to swear an oath.

Zhenhai Patriarch seemed to have had all his strength drained as he spoke with a look of deep dissatisfaction.

Then a spiritual contract appeared in his hand, stating that the Fuhai Sect was to be bestowed upon Lu Changsheng.

But halfway through writing, he suddenly interjected, “I haven’t yet asked for your honorific title, friend.”

He chuckled, “Hehe, you Zhenhai Seven Sects have come around repeatedly to disturb me, yet you still don’t know my true identity?”

Lu Changsheng sneered coldly and then declared proudly, “My dao name is ‘Yangming’!”

Matters involving Yangming True Lord and the Golden-Winged Roc are no secret in the Jiang Kingdom.

He did not believe that the Zhenhai Seven Sects wouldn’t send people to the Jiang Kingdom to investigate the situation.

Even if they haven’t learned anything yet, they will surely dispatch scouts later on.

After all that had occurred, his masked personas as the City Lord of Dameng and as Yangming True Lord had become indistinguishable—he might as well merge them.

Henceforth, the City Lord of Dameng is Yangming True Lord, and Yangming True Lord is the City Lord! This will simplify many matters for him.

Otherwise, juggling two different personas with distinct divine abilities would severely hamper his combat strength.

“Yangming.”

In an instant, Zhenhai Patriarch began analyzing that dao name in his mind.

Yang—symbolizing the sun and radiance.

It very likely refers to the Sun-Moon Star Palace and the Eastern Emperor’s lineage, whose might shines like the fierce sun.

And ‘Ming’ also signifies brightness, evoking the splendor of the sun and moon.

The name ‘Yangming’ embodies the brightest of yang—a state of extreme brilliance that perfectly fits the Eastern Emperor’s heritage.

“This man, choosing Yangming as his dao name, must undoubtedly be an Eastern Emperor’s Heir!”

Zhenhai Patriarch mused to himself, growing ever more convinced that Lu Changsheng was indeed an Eastern Emperor’s Heir.

He harbored no doubt about the authenticity of the name.

On one hand, there is a notion in the cultivation world that a cultivator’s dao name can significantly influence his destiny.

It invisibly steers one’s luck, fortune, and even their entire destiny.

On the other hand, the name ‘Yangming’ is just too perfectly matched with the lineage of the Eastern Emperor’s Heir, as he suspected!

“So he is Yangming True Lord after all.”

Without further contemplation, Zhenhai Patriarch clasped his hands in respect toward Lu Changsheng.

He then continued inscribing on the spiritual contract that the territory of the Fuhai Sect, along with a Huaying Pill as compensation, was to be granted to Yangming True Lord to settle their mutual grievances.

And Yangming True Lord must not divulge matters between them, while the Zhenhai Seven Sects must come to his aid if they ever face danger.

After a moment, Lu Changsheng took the spiritual contract and inspected it briefly.

After rechecking it with the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, he casually recited an oath from deep within.

As long as the Zhenhai Seven Sects agree to abide by the terms, all past grievances will be put to rest.

In the future, if the Zhenhai Seven Sects encounter trouble, he will step in to resolve it.

But in return, the Zhenhai Seven Sects must provide appropriate compensation.

As for any further stipulations, neither Lu Changsheng mentioned them, nor did Zhenhai Patriarch demand them.

It can only be said that whether it was Zhenhai Patriarch’s oath in the contract or Lu Changsheng’s own vow, both were rather crude and fraught with loopholes.

But that was completely normal.

At the Nascent Soul stage, high-level cultivators often employ crafty methods to exploit loopholes—a system that defends the honorable but not the rogue.

For a spiritual contract of this sort, even if Lu Changsheng and Zhenhai Patriarch were to default immediately, they’d at most suffer a period of backlash.

Moreover, at that level, making too many demands or nitpicking would be seen as an insult.

“You should know, my friend, that although the Zhenhai Seven Sects share a common bond, each follows its own role, with none being subordinate to another.”

“Therefore, regarding the Fuhai Sect, I will need some time to reorganize it. For now, I shall send the Huaying Pill.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng’s response, Zhenhai Patriarch immediately spoke.

He was rather reluctant to part with the Huaying Pill.

But as for the Fuhai Sect, he was even concerned that Lu Changsheng might not take up residence there.

“Very well.”

Lu Changsheng had no objection.

He also planned to return briefly to the Immortal City of Damengze, so that Hong Lian could help him assess the situation.

And to see what business True Lord Juejian had in the Immortal City of Damengze.

Soon, Zhenhai Patriarch escorted Lu Changsheng to the Zhenhai Sect to retrieve the Huaying Pill.

Such a rare pill is normally never carried on one’s person.

During the journey, Lu Changsheng kept sensing the signs of destiny, yet there wasn’t a hint of any ominous danger.

He wondered in his heart—was it because Zhenhai Patriarch’s mastery of divination, or perhaps some priceless treasure designed to obscure fate?

Just like that, a few days later, Lu Changsheng received a porcelain vial from Zhenhai Patriarch.

Inside the vial lay a crystal-clear pill, appearing as though it harbored the faint image of an infant.

It was the Huaying Pill! With his Taiyi Spirit, Chaos Body, and acute sensitivity to toxic energies, he quickly discerned that the pill was genuine.

“Yangming, my friend, if you have any concerns, you can reach me through this Jade Talisman.”

“Once the Fuhai Sect is reorganized, I will notify you via the Jade Talisman. When that time comes, simply come directly.”

Zhenhai Patriarch said as such.

Though a trace of reluctance still flickered in his eyes, his tone was utterly sincere.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng scrutinized the Jade Talisman with keen eyes, then nodded and mounted the Golden-Winged Roc to depart.

Once he was well outside the Zhenhai Sect’s bounds, Lu Changsheng frowned and, tapping his fingers as he calculated, thought, “What the heck is Zhenhai Patriarch up to?”

It was all too smooth! This encounter with Zhenhai Patriarch was unbelievably effortless!

Although he had slain Nuhai True Lord and others, clearly demonstrating his overwhelming combat prowess,

the entire process was so smooth it defied reason.

Although Zhenhai Patriarch had shown signs of restraint, discontent, bitterness, and helplessness, it wasn’t a real concern.

But it was utterly unlike the behavior expected from an elder patriarch, a hegemon, or a titan! Could it be that the older ones grow ever more fearful of death?

Lu Changsheng mused to himself.

He wasn’t entirely sure of Zhenhai Patriarch’s age.

But based on earlier information, he knew that Zhenhai Patriarch was among the eldest Nascent Soul cultivators in the Starry Sea.

“At times like these, it would be nice to have detailed information on Zhenhai Patriarch.”

Lu Changsheng slowly exhaled, recognizing the importance of reliable intelligence.

If he had information about Zhenhai Patriarch’s temperament and character, he could deduce much more.

But such information, typically traded by rumor-spreading factions, is always only half-true and hard to obtain.

He would have to rely on major powers for such intel.

Yet in the vast Starry Sea, he hardly knew any major factions.

The Divine Maiden Palace barely counted as one.

But if he were to inquire at the Divine Maiden Palace, he’d likely have to confront their Grand Mistress, leading to complications.

Without further pondering, Lu Changsheng resolved to return and conduct in-depth divination to discern what Zhenhai Patriarch was scheming.

After parting from Lu Changsheng, Zhenhai Patriarch’s face darkened immediately, his eyes blazing with fury.

After having slain several Nascent Soul cultivators from his own ranks, he still had to offer the territory of the Fuhai Sect and a Huaying Pill as compensation.

This was downright outrageous! “Old Patriarch, I’ll see if you have the life to seize it—or the life to squander it!”

The murderous intent in Zhenhai Patriarch’s eyes was unmistakable.

In his eyes, Lu Changsheng—this Eastern Emperor’s Heir—was as good as dead! After drawing several deep breaths to calm his anger, Zhenhai Patriarch swiftly activated the emergency teleportation array among the Seven Sects and hurried off to the Fuhai Sect.

“Old Patriarch!”

Zhenhai True Lord, Tunhai True Lord, and Minghai True Lord were all waiting; as soon as their patriarch returned, they immediately approached him to pay respects and inquire about the situation.

“That wretch’s methods are extraordinary; I have my own arrangements, as your old patriarch.”

Zhenhai Patriarch looked at the three, briefly outlined the situation, then said to Zhenhai True Lord and Tunhai True Lord, “Hurry and complete the body-seizing so that you can return to the Nascent Soul stage.”

Even though both had their physical forms shattered and their power greatly reduced,

thanks to the deep reserves of the Zhenhai Seven Sects, they could swiftly complete the process and restore themselves to the Nascent Soul stage.

With their assistance, he would have a better chance of dealing with Lu Changsheng when the time came.

Even a lion expends all its effort to catch a rabbit! Then, Zhenhai Patriarch turned to Minghai True Lord and handed her a porcelain vial, saying, “Minghai, this is a Guiyuan Huanzhen Pill that will help you recover swiftly.”

“You must now cross the Mist Sea and Da Mengze, head to the Jiang Kingdom, and gather all intelligence regarding the Immortal City of Damengze, Yangming True Lord, and matters concerning the Eastern Emperor.”

“Remember, proceed with utmost caution—do not alert the enemy prematurely. Report any intel to me upon my return, and do not act on your own!”

Based on Lu Changsheng’s request for the Huaying Pill, Zhenhai Patriarch speculated that this Yangming True Lord—the Eastern Emperor’s Heir—must have a wife, children, and disciples.

In such a case, he needed to uncover every detail to see if any vulnerability could be exploited.

Minghai True Lord looked at the Guiyuan Huanzhen Pill offered by her patriarch, her pale, elegant face troubled with concern.

In that battle, having seen Zhenhai True Lord and Tunhai True Lord lose their forms, and witnessing True Lord Pinghai, Fuhai True Lord, and Nuhai True Lord fall, she was utterly terrified and dared not venture to Da Mengze again.

Yet, she had no choice but to heed her patriarch’s command.

Moreover, within the Zhenhai Seven Sects, apart from her—the Nascent Soul True Lord—there were no other Nascent Soul cultivators available.

In fact, among the Seven Sects, the cultivation method she practiced was particularly apt for such tasks.

“Yes, Patriarch, Minghai obeys.”

Under the watchful eyes of the three, Minghai True Lord accepted the pill from her patriarch and replied respectfully.

“Patriarch, besides these instructions, is there anything else I need to know?”

Minghai True Lord inquired further, her voice tinged with unease.

After all, if she were to inadvertently encounter the dreaded City Lord of Dameng, she might not even be able to escape with her Nascent Soul spirit intact.

“Rest assured. All you need to do is investigate his identity, background, and close connections—nothing more.”

Aware that an encounter with Yangming True Lord would be extremely perilous for her, Zhenhai Patriarch did not wish for Minghai to come to harm.

After all, if that happened, the entire Zhenhai Seven Sects would be left without capable cultivators.

In his instructions, he also handed her some secret treasures from the treasury so that she could escape immediately if danger arose.

Afterwards, Zhenhai Patriarch began consolidating the Fuhai Sect.

As for rigging the grand formation or deploying any tricks, he had no such intention.

The reason was simple: he wanted Lu Changsheng to relax his vigilance; it would be unthinkable to tamper with the defenses in these areas.

Besides, he was thoroughly familiar with the Fuhai Sect’s Fourth-Rank Forbidden Formation and already had certain countermeasures in place.

Even if Lu Changsheng had full control, there was always a method to render the formation ineffective and diminish its power! Once the Golden-Winged Roc was nearly airborne, Lu Changsheng activated the Misty Dust Banner and, accompanied by his three spirit pets, headed straight back to the City Lord’s Mansion.

“One could forge a small Misty Dust Banner within the Fuhai Sect to make travel far simpler and more convenient.”

Lu Changsheng examined the Misty Dust Banner in his hand and found the travel method exceedingly convenient.

In the past, replicating a small Misty Dust Banner had been quite challenging for him.

But now that he had broken through to the Nascent Soul stage and ascended to Fourth-Rank in artifact refining, reproducing a rough copy posed no issue.

The only difficulty lay in gathering the required materials within a short period.

“Lingjing, go get some rest.”

Lu Changsheng released Lu Lingjing, instructing her and the Golden-Winged Roc to rest.

Then he proceeded to the backyard and scattered the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass, letting it take root along the spirit veins.

In that battle, not only did he and the Golden-Winged Roc expend considerable energy, but the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass was also heavily consumed; he planned to water it with Wuling Heaven Dew once back at Bihu Mountain.

Otherwise, its endurance would pale in comparison to that of the Golden-Winged Roc and the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale.

Soon after, Lu Changsheng encountered Hong Lian and inquired about the purpose of True Lord Juejian’s visit.

“True Lord Juejian came over for two reasons: one regarding the matter of Yanhai Shangren, and the other to invite my husband to assist in the Liang-Yue War.”

Dressed in a red dress embroidered with vermilion magpie motifs, Hong Lian sat beside Lu Changsheng and spoke with elegant, graceful poise.

“Yanhai Shangren?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow; he had heard his wife Lu Miaoyun mention it before, but did not know the details.

After Hong Lian’s explanation, he deduced that the visitor was likely a probe dispatched by the Starry Sea and the Zhenhai Seven Sects.

“I told True Lord Juejian that we have enemies after us and are temporarily unable to leave the Immortal City, hence our polite refusal to join the battle.”

Hong Lian softly smiled and said, “True Lord Juejian had briefly gauged your strength when he saw you and noted your absence; he only hoped that we could give the Heavenly Sword Sect a clear response.”

She handled such matters with effortless ease.

If earlier the Heavenly Sword Sect had been wary that the Immortal City of Damengze harbored ulterior motives,

then now they feared that Lu Changsheng might stir up vendettas in the Jiang Kingdom, inadvertently implicating the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“Okay, let’s give the Heavenly Sword Sect our reply later,” he said.

Lu Changsheng still harbored a certain fondness for the Heavenly Sword Sect, the dominant power in the Jiang Kingdom.

If time permitted, he would not have minded rushing to the Yue Kingdom to aid in battle.

But at that moment, he simply couldn’t leave.

“Husband, how are things in the Starry Sea progressing?”

At that moment, Hong Lian also asked Lu Changsheng about his own affairs, curious about their resolution.

“I was just about to ask for your help in analyzing the situation.”

Immediately, Lu Changsheng briefed Hong Lian about the matters concerning the Zhenhai Seven Sects and Zhenhai Patriarch.

Since Hong Lian was not well-versed in the details regarding the Starry Sea and the Zhenhai Seven Sects, he explained the situation in detail.

However, upon hearing that Lu Changsheng had slaughtered Fuhai True Lord and True Lord Pinghai, and decimated four Nascent Soul cultivators—with one obliterated in body and soul and another’s form shattered—she was completely stunned.

Wasn’t Lu Changsheng just breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage? Even with the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, his spirit pet the Golden-Winged Roc, the Soul-Taking Beast, and the Nine Calamity Sword—such exploits seem almost unbelievable!

After decades of fighting alongside Lu Changsheng, she knew his combat style all too well.

He was straightforward, relying on sheer force without elaborate tactics.

He simply overpowered his foes with his strength and shattered countless techniques in one go!

In such conditions, after decimating True Lord Pinghai and Fuhai True Lord, he even managed to slay several Nascent Soul cultivators, leaving them fleeing with their forms shattered.

It was absolutely shocking.

Even a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator would find such feats extraordinarily impressive.

But after hearing Lu Changsheng’s account, Hong Lian immediately remarked, “This Zhenhai Patriarch isn’t right.”

In her view, even if Zhenhai Patriarch feared defeat, he would never give up and offer such compensation after a mere encounter.

If they had clashed and he had been beaten or gravely injured, that might have been understandable.

“Husband, either this Zhenhai Patriarch is so badly injured that he can’t act, or he is cultivating some technique that renders him temporarily unable to act, opting to endure.”

Hong Lian mused, “Apart from that, it appears that he knows he can’t match you and is choosing to bide his time while calling for backup.”

“Husband, your performance in this battle was astounding—especially with the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror. Surely it will attract envious eyes from some cultivators in the Starry Sea.”

With a grave expression, Hong Lian remarked, well aware of the allure such a treasured relic held for Nascent Soul cultivators.

If one could command such a relic, they would instantly become an unrivaled force at their level.

For instance, a senior cultivator in the late Nascent Soul stage obtaining such a Celestial Treasure would see their power skyrocket to the next tier!

“Yes, I had similar suspicions.”

Lu Changsheng nodded in agreement.

Being one of the premier powers in the Starry Sea, the Zhenhai Seven Sects had cultivated extensive connections.

If Zhenhai Patriarch were willing to leverage these connections and call in favors, he could probably summon numerous Nascent Soul cultivators for reinforcement.

Conversely, if Lu Changsheng used the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, his opponents might recognize it as a top-tier Celestial Treasure and rally others for support.

Although the Starry Sea may lack grand cultivators in the late Nascent Soul stage, it does boast several titans in the mid-Nascent Soul phase! “That’s why I plan, within the Fuhai Sect, to advance my body refinement to mid Fourth-Rank, break through to the second tier of the Nascent Soul stage, and then ambush him outside the Zhenhai Sect!”

With narrowed eyes, Lu Changsheng stated outright,

Although he had yet to successfully ambush anyone since his debut,

now, with the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, he no longer needed to keep constant vigil.

Whenever any movement occurred, the artifact spirit Ah Wu would alert him.

“Hmm!?”

Hong Lian was momentarily stunned, her beautiful features frozen, as she thought she heard something unusual.

A breakthrough in body refinement to mid Fourth-Rank?

And his cultivation advancing to the second tier of the Nascent Soul stage?

What’s happening? Wasn’t my husband only just breaking into the Nascent Soul stage? How does he suddenly plan to reach the second tier? And this body refinement—what does it mean? I clearly remember, twenty-six years ago, when Lu Changsheng and I went to the Sea Eye in Da Mengze for his Fourth-Rank body refinement breakthrough.

Only twenty-six years later, and his body refinement is already shifting from early to mid Fourth-Rank? That pace is incredible!

Even though I know he possesses the ‘Hundred Refinements Body Technique’ that condenses his vital bones to automatically enhance his physique,

this speed is simply terrifying! Other body refinement cultivators take at least a hundred years to advance from early to mid Fourth-Rank.

Moreover, Lu Changsheng is cultivating body refinement concurrently.

“Could this be the chance granted by your Heavenly Tribulation for body tempering, my husband?”

Hong Lian immediately recalled that during his tribulation, Lu Changsheng had confronted the ninefold heavenly tribulation with his mortal body.

Though she hadn’t experienced it firsthand, she was aware of the manifold benefits of such measures.

Yet she quickly dismissed it, reasoning that no matter how generous the Heavenly Dao, it couldn’t be this extreme—Lu Changsheng must have acquired a special opportunity in the Starry Sea or the Sealing Demon Realm.

However, as those thoughts surged, she shook her head, questioning why she should assess Lu Changsheng’s cultivation by ordinary standards.

After all, he was a great power reborn for cultivation, traversing the mortal realm—defying conventional measures.

“Husband, you must never easily trust such an aged Nascent Soul fiend. If you’re planning to break through at the Fuhai Sect, be exceptionally cautious.”

Hong Lian immediately warned him, noting that reconfiguring the Fuhai Sect’s Fourth-Rank Forbidden Formation was fraught with difficulties and potential hidden dangers.

Not to mention, it might conceal lethal traps or ambushes.

Even a slight fluctuation in your spiritual pressure during a breakthrough could expose you to dangerous attacks.

“Furthermore, since your identities as Yangming True Lord and the City Lord have been uncovered by Zhenhai Patriarch, he will undoubtedly send spies to gather intel—and might even set a trap against you while you’re cultivating in the Fuhai Sect, then act against the Immortal City.”

Hong Lian analyzed the pros and cons, concluding that in the near term, it would be wise to avoid cultivating at the Fuhai Sect.

Even if Lu Changsheng isn’t intimidated and can employ secret escape techniques, others in the Immortal City might come to harm.

Lu Changsheng nodded in thoughtful agreement.

Although he suspected that Zhenhai Patriarch had issues, he hadn’t foreseen so many potential dangers.

Now, after Hong Lian’s warning, his intent to ambush and eliminate Zhenhai Patriarch grew even stronger.

“Hong Lian, do you know of any Demon King innate talents that can influence or restrict Nascent Soul projection?”

Lu Changsheng asked Hong Lian.

There even exists a secret treasure—the Divine Creation Refinement Art—that can affect, restrict, or even confine a Nascent Soul spirit.

But such treasures are extremely difficult to forge, consuming vast amounts of time and rare materials.

Relying solely on the wealth he had amassed from slaying several Nascent Soul cultivators, the natural spiritual materials were simply insufficient for their creation.

Thus, Lu Changsheng thought that subjugating a Fourth-Rank Demon King with the ability to impact and restrict Nascent Soul projection would be ideal.

“A Demon King capable of restricting Nascent Soul projection?”

Hong Lian was taken aback, not understanding why he asked that, but softly replied, “My husband, you probably want to know how to prevent Nascent Soul cultivators from projecting their souls to escape, right?”

Lu Changsheng nodded, “Hmm.”

While the Nascent Soul spirit is fragile, it can move several times faster than its peers when unbound by magic, and the means to restrict it are scarce.

After a moment of thought, Hong Lian said, “Regarding demon beasts, I’ve heard of a creature called the Nine Nether Ice Abyss Jiao, a dragon whose breath can freeze spatial currents and whose icy mist erodes, thereby affecting the Nascent Soul spirit.”

“But the Nine Nether Ice Abyss Jiao is, as far as I know in the Northern Plains, a top-tier Demon King, whose power is utterly terrifying.”

“In addition, there’s a Demon King called the Ghost-Faced Owl, whose innate ability can form a spiritual assault that, under certain conditions, can influence the Nascent Soul spirit.”

Hong Lian elaborated on various Demon Kings that could affect, restrict, or even confine the Nascent Soul spirit.

However, from just a brief overview, Lu Changsheng realized that his plan was doomed.

It wasn’t merely about possessing an innate divine ability.

The main factor is their formidable bloodline and strength!

After all, a Demon King’s innate ability is fundamentally rooted in their bloodline and sheer might.

If Lu Changsheng were to fully consolidate his Nascent Soul Domain and master the divine ability “Yin-Yang Qi Great Capture” to its fullest—capable of shaking mountains and grasping the moon—it would affect the Nascent Soul spirit to some extent.

Moreover, if he perfected “Yin-Yang Life-and-Death Realm” and “Brahma Demon True Form,” even a mid-Nascent Soul spirit might not escape his grasp.

Yet for early Nascent Soul cultivators, whose forms he shattered, to then casually obliterate their Nascent Soul spirit is as unlikely as a fairy tale! “Husband, if you’re worried about your foes escaping with their Nascent Soul spirit when you strike, I have several secret methods to restrict them.”

Hong Lian surmised that Lu Changsheng intended to utterly eradicate the Nascent Soul cultivators of Zhenhai Patriarch—or even those of the entire Zhenhai Seven Sects—and she spoke softly.

“I possess all the divine techniques and secret treasures for that, but they cannot be completed in a short time.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head in response.

Hearing this, Hong Lian found herself at a loss.

After all, if Nascent Soul spirits could be so effectively contained, even Nascent Soul True Lords wouldn’t be wary of each other.

In her eyes, it was already outrageous that Lu Changsheng, having just broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, could slay multiple Nascent Soul cultivators.

And to then casually obliterate their Nascent Soul spirit was simply too challenging.

In particular, from his words, it was clear he intended to destroy the Nascent Soul spirit of Zhenhai Patriarch, a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator.

“Husband, since Zhenhai Patriarch chooses to endure, it shows he is exceedingly wary of you—he won’t act unless he’s absolutely sure.”

Hong Lian said, “Husband, your genius is unmatched. If you settle down and cultivate for a few years—refining your divine techniques and innate treasures—you’ll have nothing to fear.”

Her words, though flattering, were sincerely meant.

In her view, if Lu Changsheng focused on honing his divine abilities and upgraded his innate treasure, his strength would leap to another level.

Under those conditions, Zhenhai Patriarch, who was never truly a match, would be easily overpowered.

At times, Hong Lian even mused, like Yun Wanshang once did, about how immensely his fighting power could escalate if he mastered his divine skills and harmonized them with his treasures.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, understanding that progress couldn’t be hurried—if Zhenhai Patriarch planned to act against him, there’d be time for countermeasures.

And he was the least troubled by delays.

“Hong Lian, hold onto this Huaying Pill. Just inform me when you see me breaking through to the next Nascent Soul stage.”

Lu Changsheng handed the harvested Huaying Pill to Hong Lian.

Although she had once said that acquiring a Huaying Pill was inconsequential,

he knew during his breakthrough that the Huaying Pill greatly aided in consolidating the Nascent Soul and could serve as a foundation even if unused.

“Thank you, husband.”

With a radiant smile and eyes full of tenderness, Hong Lian said, “Aside from the Huaying Pill, I would also like to request some Thunderstruck Fusang Wood from you.”

After decades together, she knew his nature well—if he offered her something, there was no need to refuse.

Moreover, witnessing Lu Changsheng’s breakthrough to Great Dao Nascent Soul put pressure on her as well.

She realized that if she remained merely a novice Nascent Soul cultivator, she might struggle to match his pace.

Hence, she resolved to strive for utmost perfection in her own breakthrough.

“Oh?”

Lu Changsheng, upon hearing that, raised an intrigued eyebrow.

Then, gently tapping his Storage Ring, he handed out the sealed Thunderstruck Fusang Wood, saying, “Since this is useful to you, you should have mentioned it to me long ago.”

After decades together, Hong Lian had always been the dutiful partner managing the family and presiding over the Immortal City—even if Lu Changsheng were to take all the Thunderstruck Fusang Wood, he wouldn’t mind.

“Just a modest amount will do. I want to carve out a small piece to forge a secret treasure for tribulation crossing and to cultivate a secret technique.”

Hong Lian explained to Lu Changsheng why she needed the Thunderstruck Fusang Wood.

Fusang wood, being associated with fire, greatly benefits her cultivation technique and aids her spiritually nurtured body.

Especially since this piece, having endured a lightning tribulation, contains the power of extreme yang’s thunderfire—ideal for forging a tribulation-crossing secret treasure suited to her.

“It’s fine—set aside some for Lingxiao and Qingxuan, and you keep the rest.”

After pondering, Lu Changsheng decided to snip a small piece for himself and give the remainder to Hong Lian, so she wouldn’t need to economize.

Though many family heirs could use it, Hong Lian was the top priority at the moment.

Once she achieved her breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage, he’d be free of any worries about her going out.

“Thank you, husband,” Hong Lian said with tender affection.

After meeting with Hong Lian, Lu Changsheng presented the five puppets he had collected during this trip to Qian Zhuyan.

“Ah!”

Qian Zhuyan looked at the five puppets before her, the flame of her inner spirit quietly igniting in her eyes.

It normally took her nearly half a year, sometimes up to a year, to craft a single Third-Rank puppet.

How could the Master, with just one trip, return with five puppets?

“These are Fourth-Rank puppets.”

Immediately, she observed that one of them was nearly of full Fourth-Rank quality.

Though it wasn’t as refined as her own puppet—lacking even a puppet spirit—it was exceedingly rare.

“Mm, and there are also these Spirit Stones and materials.”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he handed Qian Zhuyan twenty High-Grade Spirit Stones and some extra Fourth-Rank Spiritual Material, instructing her to reforge the puppets.

With these additional five puppets, Qian Zhuyan’s battle strength would rise to a new level.

“Thank you, Master!”

Qian Zhuyan said joyfully to Lu Changsheng.

She hadn’t yet exhausted the puppet-crafting materials he had previously given her.

Now, with even more materials, she felt indescribably happy.

She believed she wouldn’t have to worry about puppet materials for at least ten years, enabling her to focus on creating Fourth-Rank puppets.

“It’s fine—as long as it serves you well. Just concentrate on refining your puppets and strengthening your power. Once I’m done with my tasks, I’ll accompany you to visit the Ancient Puppet Sect.”

Lu Changsheng said this to Qian Zhuyan, then asked if her puppet battle formation could restrain the Nascent Soul spirit.

He had always seen her role not as the main attacker, but as one to control and suppress in battle.

If Qian Zhuyan’s puppet battle formation could form a barrier to intercept the Nascent Soul spirit, it would greatly assist him in combat.

“Master, I know only the basics about the Nascent Soul spirit,” she said in a husky voice.

“Theoretically, it is possible to restrict it, but relying solely on a puppet formation is nearly impossible—you must prepare by integrating specialized materials and spiritual patterns to maximize its effect.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, understanding that this principle was akin to forging a secret treasure to restrict the Nascent Soul spirit.

It’s just that, when applied to the puppets and amplified through their battle formation, the effect is maximized.

Then he proceeded to explain the mysteries of the Nascent Soul spirit to Qian Zhuyan.

He even exposed his own Nascent Soul spirit to her as a demonstration.

Qian Zhuyan was astonished that Lu Changsheng would reveal the secrets of his own Nascent Soul spirit.

After all, the Nascent Soul spirit is the core of a cultivator, much like one’s Dao Foundation or Golden Core, and is not easily shown.

For a moment, she was overwhelmed by an unparalleled sense of trust and emotion.

“Xiao Yan, you should orient your next puppet battle formation research toward this approach,” Lu Changsheng said warmly.

He advised, “Xiao Yan, direct your upcoming research on the puppet formation in this direction.”

Afterward, Lu Changsheng remained in the Immortal City of Damengze to cultivate and recover.

Even though the spiritual veins of the City Lord’s Mansion were of top-tier Third-Rank, nearly bordering on quasi-Fourth-Rank, they were still insufficient for his cultivation.

Only with premium Spirit Stones, pills, and spirit medicines could he rapidly restore his state and magical energy.

Yet, in less than half a month, he received word from Zhenhai Patriarch that the Fuhai Sect had been reorganized.

“So quickly.”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.

After all, the Fuhai Sect was a Nascent Soul-level force.

It was astonishing how swiftly it had been consolidated.

Yet it also reflected the prestige of Zhenhai Patriarch.

“Even though the Fuhai Sect might not be ideal for breakthroughs, it is perfectly acceptable for cultivation.”

Lu Changsheng exhaled slowly, deciding to seize control of the Fuhai Sect and, in the process, discover what maneuvers Zhenhai Patriarch had planned.

With that resolve, he flung his three Divination Copper Coins and began to divine his fate.

However, the omens revealed no ill signs, only boundless auspiciousness, suggesting a smooth and worry-free journey.

“Does Zhenhai Patriarch have a method to obscure the divination signs?”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but frown, beginning to doubt his own divination skills.

Even though Fourth-Rank diviners are of Grandmaster caliber, making it difficult to be misled,

at the Nascent Soul level, everyone has some tool to veil, obscure, or confuse their fate.

“I’ll reassess once I get closer to the Fuhai Sect.”

Lu Changsheng pocketed his Divination Copper Coins, ready to cast a few more omens upon arrival.

After all, with his Fourth-Rank physique, Chaos Body, and Taiyi Spirit, his divination costs were minimal.

Shortly after, Lu Changsheng informed Hong Lian of his plans and prepared to depart with the Golden-Winged Roc and the Nine Calamity Sword Grass.

“Husband, be careful and try to minimize any contact or conversation with Zhenhai Patriarch.”

Hong Lian never worried about Lu Changsheng’s safety.

One reason was his strength and myriad techniques.

Furthermore, she believed that such a mighty reborn cultivator, with his powerful aura, could always transform misfortune into fortune.

“Don’t worry,” Lu Changsheng replied with a relaxed smile, patting the Golden-Winged Roc as he headed for the Fuhai Sect.

Half a month later, Lu Changsheng, atop the Golden-Winged Roc, traversed Da Mengze and arrived at the Starry Sea.

He flung his Divination Copper Coins to perform a reading.

The omens still promised universal prosperity and a smooth, worry-free journey.

“Could it be that Zhenhai Patriarch has become so timid that, after witnessing severe losses within the Zhenhai Seven Sects, he’s using me to preserve their prestige?”

Although this seemed unlikely, Lu Changsheng was utterly baffled by Zhenhai Patriarch’s acquiescence.

However, Zhenhai Patriarch’s subsequent actions left Lu Changsheng even more dumbfounded.

Sensing his arrival, Zhenhai Patriarch immediately came forth to greet him with utmost courtesy.

Upon meeting, he presented Lu Changsheng with the sect token and the core formation plate of the Fuhai Sect, then led him inside to explain the state of affairs.

Throughout the encounter, Lu Changsheng remained extremely cautious—his spiritual senses alert and the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror in hand, constantly scanning the surroundings.

Yet the entire meeting unfolded flawlessly.

After providing a brief overview of the Fuhai Sect, Zhenhai Patriarch said to Lu Changsheng, “Yangming, if there are no issues, I have matters to attend to and won’t stay long.”

Then he clapped his hands.

Not long after, two elegantly poised Core Formation female cultivators in flowing pale blue dresses approached him.

“These two are from my sect’s core lineage and are well acquainted with the workings of the Fuhai Sect.”

“Since a fellow cultivator like you must have attendants, I have assigned them as your personal maidservants, to help manage affairs.”

Zhenhai Patriarch pointed to the two and said as such.

Core Formation cultivators are esteemed high-level masters, often honored as distinguished guests and even capable of serving as ministerial elders.

Yet now, he had designated them to Lu Changsheng as his personal attendants.

This clearly exemplified the disparity between Nascent Soul True Lords and Core Formation cultivators.

If a Nascent Soul True Lord were to openly take on maidservants, many Core Formation female cultivators would eagerly volunteer.

Lu Changsheng looked at the two women before him.

Both were at the third level of Core Formation.

Though their beauty might not astound him, they were undeniably charming and admired by many male cultivators.

One was delicately charming with fair, tender skin and a petite figure; the other had elegantly tied dark hair, a tall and graceful stature, and exquisitely defined features with a hint of cool allure.

In earlier times, even Lu Changsheng would have had to exert great effort to win over women like them.

But now, they are directly assigned as attendants! This is the status of a Nascent Soul True Lord! “Haiqin, Cangjue, present yourselves to Yangming True Lord!”

The two women, seeing the aura-surrounded Lu Changsheng, bowed in reverence, their expressions filled with awe.

“If you don’t require them, that’s fine; you may have them liaise with others to familiarize yourself with the situation.”

Zhenhai Patriarch announced as he handed them over.

He entrusted the two Core Formation female cultivators to Lu Changsheng as his attendants, partly to keep an eye on him.

More importantly, it ensured that Lu Changsheng would reside comfortably in the Fuhai Sect for an extended period, cultivating in seclusion.

“Zhenhai, you’re very considerate.”

Lu Changsheng nodded in acknowledgment without objection.

He had no trusted aides in the Fuhai Sect.

Even if he couldn’t fully rely on them, they could serve as a temporary bridge to help manage and understand the Fuhai Sect.

Moreover, as Zhenhai Patriarch had noted, he always needed someone to assist him.

“In that case, I shall not stay long. If you have any matters, consult with Haiqin or Cangjue, or come to the Zhenhai Sect to find me,” he said.

Zhenhai Patriarch stated without revealing any details about the teleportation arrays or other key secrets of the Zhenhai and Fuhai Sects.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, and after Zhenhai Patriarch departed, he went to the dwelling of Fuhai True Lord to assume command.

Regarding Fuhai True Lord’s dwelling, Lu Changsheng had but one impression: opulent and extravagant!

It far surpassed his own Hall of Everlasting Life and the City Lord’s Mansion.

This was a clear testament to the disparity between Nascent Soul True Lords and Core Formation cultivators.

Apart from a few ascetic cultivators, most will invest in renovating and decorating their own palaces.

Thanks to Hong Lian’s admonitions, Lu Changsheng abandoned the idea of a mid Fourth-Rank body refinement breakthrough at the Fuhai Sect.

But the defensive formations of the palace still required reconfiguration and replacement.

Moreover, the formation arrays he had previously set up in the Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear Lair now proved useful.

After over half a month, with Lu Changsheng’s reconfiguration, the defensive formations of his palace were completely overhauled.

Yet, as he inspected the palace, he still felt something was amiss; unwilling to let it go, he flung his Divination Copper Coins once more.

He intended to use the energies of the Fuhai Sect for a more profound divination.

“Pfft!”

Without hesitation, Lu Changsheng patted his chest and forcefully expelled a burst of vital blood to conduct a deeper calculation.

Yet no ill omen appeared.

“A Fourth-Rank force involving a Nascent Soul True Lord has such unfathomable destiny—it certainly cannot be this simple!”

Lu Changsheng pondered deeply, continuously depleting his vital blood and lifespan in his calculations.

Moments later, he observed that the otherwise stagnant omens finally exhibited subtle fluctuations.

The omens of fortune began to oscillate! “Just as I thought!”

Lu Changsheng’s heart soared with excitement; he realized that Zhenhai Patriarch indeed had hidden means and would not simply do nothing.

But as the omens swung, a minor auspicious sign began to surface.

“Hmm?”

Lu Changsheng was momentarily stunned, utterly baffled.

He resumed his divination.

But the minor auspicious sign suddenly shifted to moderate auspiciousness, even teetering on highly auspicious.

Soon, the omens alternated among Highly Auspicious, Moderate Auspicious, and Minor Auspicious, fluctuating continuously without turning ominous.

At that moment, Lu Changsheng was completely confused.

He had no idea what was happening.

He couldn’t tell if Zhenhai Patriarch had obscured the omens or if he was merely projecting his own suspicions.

“What the heck is this?”

Lu Changsheng halted his divination, swallowed a Fourth-Rank Healing Pill, and was utterly perplexed.

That while cultivating in the Fuhai Sect, he observed not a trace of misfortune—only auspicious signs?

There might even be a chance for a Highly Auspicious omen! Remember, achieving a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage accompanied by such an omen is an extraordinary opportunity!